Network of data processing apparatuses having transmission modes with different block sizes

ABSTRACT

In an information processing system in which an input apparatus (10) which can input information and can transmit the input information, and a processing apparatus (7) which can process received information are connected to a network (4), and which system can realize a function of inputting and processing information by the network as a whole, information input by the input apparatus is controlled to be divisionally or simultaneously transmitted in correspondence with the relationship between the input apparatus (10) and the processing apparatus (7) in the network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an information processing systemincluding at least an input apparatus and a processing apparatus, aninformation processing apparatus used in the system, and a data transfercontrol method in a network.

In a network technique that has been proposed recently, a plurality ofapparatuses, especially, a scanner apparatus, a printer apparatus, afacsimile device, and a management apparatus for managing theseapparatuses, are connected to a network, and the entire network operatesas one system.

Conventionally, when an image is read using the scanner connected to thenetwork, and the read image data is transmitted to another apparatus onthe network, the entire image data input in a single scanner inputoperation is normally transferred as one unit.

For this reason, even when only an image of a portion of an original isrequired, the entire page of the original must be transmitted. On thecontrary, when images on a plurality of pages of an original aresuccessively input, image data for the plurality of pages must bedivisionally transmitted since they exceed one unit.

For this reason, the conventional network system has poor data transferefficiency when a read image is transmitted to another processingapparatus on the network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide aninformation processing system and an information processing apparatus,which can control communications in correspondence with thecommunication state in a network.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is provided an information processing system having aninput apparatus capable of inputting image data and transmitting theinput image data, a processing apparatus capable of processing areceived image, and a network to which the input and processingapparatuses are connected, the system realizing a function for inputtingand processing image data as a whole, comprising:

control means for controlling to transmit image data input by the inputapparatus divisionally or simultaneously in correspondence with acommunication state in the network.

In order to achieve the above object, there is also provided aninformation processing apparatus connected to a network, for exchangingimage data with the network, comprising:

means for inputting image data;

means for detecting a communication state in the network; and

control means for controlling to transmit image data input by the inputmeans divisionally or simultaneously onto the network in correspondencewith the detected communication state.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the controlmeans controls transmission in correspondence with a data traffic in thenetwork.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, thecontrol means is included in the input apparatus.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,the input apparatus comprises an image input/output apparatus forreading an image, and outputting the read image.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,when the input apparatus comprises a reading device which reads anoriginal, the control means detects a communication state, and controlsthe input apparatus to transmit a portion or the entire page of a readoriginal image in correspondence with the detected communication state.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,the input apparatus comprises a reading device which reads an original,the control means detects a communication state, and controls the inputapparatus to transmit read image data of originals in units of unitarypage or in units of a plurality of pages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an informationprocessing system and an information processing apparatus, which cancontrol communications in correspondence with the processing mode on theprocessing apparatus side.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is provided an information processing system having aninput apparatus capable of inputting image data and transmitting theinput image data, a processing apparatus capable of processing areceived image, and a network to which the input and processingapparatuses are connected, the system realizing a function for inputtingand processing image data as a whole, comprising:

control means for setting a different transmission sequence of imagedata from the input apparatus to the processing apparatus incorrespondence with a processing manner of image data on the processingapparatus side.

In order to achieve the above object, there is also provided aninformation processing apparatus, which is connected to a network, andexchanges image data with the network, comprising:

means for inputting image data; and

control means for transmitting designation information for designating aprocessing manner in a processing apparatus which processes input imagedata to the processing apparatus, and controlling to divisionally orsimultaneously transmit image data input by the input means incorrespondence with a processing manner.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the controlmeans determines the processing manner of image data on the processingapparatus side in the input apparatus, and informs the determinationresult to the processing apparatus side.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, thecontrol means is arranged in the input apparatus.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,the processing manner of image data on the processing apparatus side isdefined such that an image input operation in the input apparatus andprocessing of image data in the processing apparatus are substantiallysimultaneously performed.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,the processing manner of image data on the processing apparatus side isdefined such that processing of image data in the processing apparatusis started after an image input operation in the input apparatus iscompleted.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,the processing manner of image data on the processing apparatus side isdefined such that processing of image data in the processing apparatusis started at a time different from an input time of an image in theinput apparatus.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,the input apparatus comprises an image reading device, and theprocessing apparatus comprises a facsimile device.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,when the input apparatus comprises an image reading device, and theprocessing apparatus comprises a facsimile device,

the processing manner is an immediate transmission mode, and the controlmeans transfers image data to the processing apparatus in units oflines.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,when the input apparatus comprises an image reading device, and theprocessing apparatus comprises a facsimile device,

the processing manner is a timer transmission mode, and the controlmeans simultaneously transfers image data stored in a buffer andtransmission time data to the processing apparatus.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,when the input apparatus comprises an image reading device, and theprocessing apparatus comprises a facsimile device,

the processing manner is a buffer transmission mode, and the controlmeans simultaneously transfers image data stored in a buffer to theprocessing apparatus.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide aninformation processing system and an information processing apparatuswhich can control communications depending on whether the format ofinformation in an input apparatus is the same as or different from thaton the processing apparatus side.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is provided an information processing system, whichcomprises an input apparatus capable of inputting image data andtransmitting the input image data, a processing apparatus capable ofprocessing a received image, and a network to which the input andprocessing apparatuses are connected, the system realizing a functionfor inputting and processing image data as a whole, comprising:

control means for controlling a format of image data to be output fromthe input apparatus to the processing apparatus on the basis of amatching state between characteristics of image data processed by theinput apparatus and characteristics of image data processed by theprocessing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, there is also provided aninformation processing apparatus, which is connected to a network, andexchanges image data with the network, comprising:

means for inputting image data;

means for acquiring processing characteristics of image data in aprocessing apparatus for processing the image data from an externalapparatus; and

control means for controlling to divisionally or simultaneously transmitimage data input by the input means in correspondence with a matchingstate between characteristics of image data of the input means, and theprocessing characteristics of image data in the processing apparatus.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the matchingstate of the characteristics of image data is a matching state betweencompression methods of the input apparatus and the processing apparatus.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, theinput apparatus comprises first compression means, the processingapparatus comprises second compression means, and the control meansdisables the first compression means when a compression method of thefirst compression means is different from a compression method of thesecond compression means.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,the input apparatus comprises first compression means, the processingapparatus comprises second compression means, and the control meansenables the first compression means when a compression method of thefirst compression means is the same as a compression method of thesecond compression means.

According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention,the processing apparatus comprises a computer, a facsimile communicationmodem, a printer, a file, and the like.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide aninformation processing system and an information processing apparatus,which can exchange information in a format most suitable for aninformation processing apparatus constituting a network.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is provided an information processing system, whichcomprises an input apparatus capable of inputting image data andtransmitting the input image data, a processing apparatus capable ofprocessing a received image, and a network to which the input andprocessing apparatuses are connected, the system realizing a functionfor inputting and processing image data as a whole, comprising:

control means for controlling to divisionally or simultaneously transmitdata input by the input apparatus in correspondence with a relationshipbetween the input apparatus and the processing apparatus in the network.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a datatransfer control method which can improve the efficiency of a network bycontrolling the data amount which is a transfer unit in correspondencewith the degree of data traffic in the network.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is provided a data transfer control method betweencommunication apparatuses in a network including a plurality ofcommunication apparatuses, comprising the steps of:

detecting a busy rate of the network; and

increasing/decreasing an amount of data which is a transfer unit incorrespondence with the detected busy rate.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a datatransfer control method which can improve the efficiency of a network bycontrolling the data amount which is a transfer unit in correspondencewith any time difference when the data input timing and the dataprocessing timing are different between apparatuses in the network.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is provided a data transfer control method from a datainput apparatus to a data processing apparatus in a network includingthe data input apparatus and the data processing apparatus, comprisingthe steps of:

detecting a time difference between an input time of data in the datainput apparatus and a processing time of the data in the processingapparatus; and

increasing/decreasing an amount of data which is a transfer unit incorrespondence with the detected time difference.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a datatransfer control method which can distribute functions and processingloads of an input apparatus and a processing apparatus when both theinput and processing apparatuses in a network have pre-processingfunctions.

In order to achieve the above object, there is provided a data controlmethod from a data input apparatus to a data processing apparatus in anetwork including the data input apparatus having a first pre-processingfunction and the data processing apparatus having a secondpre-processing function equivalent to the first pre-processing function,comprising the steps of:

discriminating a matching state between the first and secondpre-processing functions, and informing a discrimination result to thedata processing apparatus; and

executing pre-processing in the input apparatus and transferringpre-processed data to the processing apparatus when the first and secondpre-processing functions are the same, and transferring data beforepre-processing to the processing apparatus when the first and secondpre-processing functions are different from each other; and

determining in accordance with the information in the processingapparatus whether or not the second pre-processing function is executedfor the data sent from the data input apparatus.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire information processingsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of a reader 1 in areading device 10;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an image processing unit in the reader1 in the reading device 10;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a controller 2 and an operation unit 3 inthe reading device 10;

FIG. 5 is a view showing the panel layout of the operation unit 3;

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the scheme for designating respectiveapparatuses in the system;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of a printerapparatus 5;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a facsimile device 6;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a file apparatus 7;

FIG. 10 is a view showing the dividing format of frames on the network;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the control sequence for detecting abusy state on the network;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the control sequence for selectingdifferent communication procedures in correspondence with the busystate;

FIG. 13 is a chart showing the data transfer sequence in an immediatetransmission mode;

FIG. 14 is a chart showing the data transfer sequence in a timertransmission mode; and

FIG. 15 is a chart showing the data transfer sequence in a fileoperation of image data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings.

System Arrangement

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an informationprocessing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, this system constitutes a LAN (local area network)connected to a communication line (network) 4. An image reading device10 for reading an image, a printer apparatus 5 for printing an image ona paper sheet, a facsimile device 6 for transmitting or receiving animage via a telephone line, a file apparatus 7 for storing an image orreading out the stored image, and a computer apparatus 8 for receivingan image and editing the received image are connected to thecommunication line 4. These apparatuses are respectively assigned withidentifiers indicating the types of apparatuses, and address numbers onthe network.

In this system which is characterized in that an image is transmitted,and the transmitted image is received, the image reading device 10 isclassified as an image input apparatus, the printer apparatus 5 isclassified as an image output apparatus, and the facsimile device 6, thefile apparatus 7, and the computer apparatus 8 are classified as imageinput/output apparatuses. From the viewpoint of a function capable ofinputting an image, the image reading device 10, the facsimile device 6,the file apparatus 6, and the computer apparatus 8 are also image inputapparatuses.

The system arrangement shown in FIG. 1 will be described in more detailbelow.

Image Reading device 10

The image reading device has a reader 1 for reading an original image,and converting the read image into image data, a controller 2 forcontrolling image data from the reader 1, and an operation unit 3 whichis connected to the controller 2 and used to designate an output methodof image data from the reader 1.

Reader 1

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of the reader 1.

Originals stacked on an original feeder 101 are fed onto an originaltable glass surface 102 one by one. When an original is fed, a lamp 103of a scanner is turned on, and a scanner unit 104 moves to irradiatelight onto the original. Light reflected by the original is transmittedthrough a lens 108 via mirrors 105, and 107 in turn, and thereafter, isinput to a CCD image sensor unit (to be referred to as a CCDhereinafter) 109.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the signal processing arrangement ofthe reader 1.

Image information input to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically convertedinto electrical signals. Color information signals from the CCD 109 areamplified by amplifiers 110R, 110G, and 110B in correspondence with theinput level of an A/D converter 111. Output signals from the A/Dconverter 111 are input to a shading circuit 112, and are subjected tocorrection of illumination nonuniformity of the lamp 103 and ofsensitivity nonuniformity of the CCD 109. Output signals from theshading circuit 112 are input to a magnification circuit 113. Themagnification circuit 113 attains magnification in the main scanningdirection. Maginification in the sub-scanning direction is attained bychanging the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104. An edge emphasiscircuit 114 attains edge emphasis by emphasizing high-frequencycomponents of signals from the magnification circuit 113. Output signalsfrom the edge emphasis circuit 114 are output to the controller 2 via aconnector 115.

Controller 2 and Operation Unit 3

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the controller 2 and the operationunit 3.

Referring to FIG. 4, a connector 120 includes a terminal for receivingimage data from the reader 1. Signals input via the connector 120 areinput to a compression circuit 121. An output signal from thecompression circuit 121 is input to a memory 122. A signal output fromthe memory 122 is output onto the network 4 via a network interface 123and a connector 124. A CPU 125 controls the overall controller 2 andreceives information input from the operation unit 3.

FIG. 5 shows the layout of buttons on the panel of the operation unit 3.On the panel, a printer switch 31 for designating an output destinationof an image read by the reader 1 to the printer apparatus 5, a FAXswitch 32 for designating an output destination of an image read by thereader 1 to the facsimile device 6, a ten-key pad 33, and the like arearranged.

In this system, all the apparatuses connected to the network have atable representing the network configuration, as shown in FIG. 6. Thistable is configured in the order of addresses assigned to theapparatuses on the network 4, and stores an identification name of anapparatus assigned to the corresponding address value, the type of theapparatus (such as a facsimile device, a printer apparatus, and thelike), and the attribute of the apparatus in units of apparatuses.

A user of this system can designate an apparatus, from which image dataread by the image reading device 10 is to be output, by depressing theswitch 31 or 32 or by the identifier or address of the apparatus. Forexample, when image data is to be output via a printer, the userdepresses the printer switch 31. When only one printer is connected tothe system, the printer apparatus 5 is designated to be the outputdestination by only depressing the printer switch 31. If a plurality ofapparatuses having printer attributes are connected to the network 4, amessage, which indicates that a plurality of printers are connected andurges a user to select one of printers, is displayed on a display 34.

On the other hand, when the user depresses the FAX switch 32 tofacsimile-transmit image data read by the image reading device 10, amessage urging a user to input the telephone number of a transmissiondestination appears on the display 34. The user inputs the telephonenumber of the transmission destination using the ten-key pad 33. Then,the display 34 displays a message urging a user to designate a facsimiletransmission mode. The transmission mode includes an immediatetransmission mode for immediately performing transmission, a timertransmission mode for performing facsimile transmission at a designatedtime, and the like, and serial numbers are assigned to thesetransmission modes. The user designates a desired transmission mode byinputting a number using the ten-key pad. When the timer transmissionmode is designated, the display 34 further displays a message urging auser to input a transmission designation time. The user inputs thetransmission time using the ten-key pad 33.

Printer Apparatus 5

The arrangement and operation of the printer apparatus 5 will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 7, a signal input to the printer apparatus 5 isconverted into an optical signal by an exposure controller 201, and theoptical signal is irradiated onto a photosensitive body 202 inaccordance with an image signal. A latent image formed on thephotosensitive body 202 by the irradiated light is developed by adeveloper 203. A transfer sheet is fed from a transfer sheet stackingunit 204 or 205 in synchronism with the development timing, and thedeveloped image is transferred from the photosensitive body 202 onto thetransfer sheet in a transfer unit 206. The transferred image is fixed onthe transfer sheet in a fixing unit 207, and the transfer sheet isexhausted outside the apparatus via an exhaust unit 208. When a sortfunction of a sorter 220 is enabled, the transfer sheet output via theexhaust unit 208 is exhausted onto a corresponding one of bins of thesorter 220; when the sort function is disabled, the transfer sheet isexhausted onto the uppermost bin of the sorter 220.

A method of outputting two images on two surfaces of a single outputsheet will be explained below. After an output sheet subjected to fixingin the fixing unit 207 is temporarily fed to the exhaust unit 208, thefeed direction of the sheet is reversed, and the output sheet is thenfed to a stacking unit 210 via a feed direction switching member 209. Inthe stacking unit 210, the sheet on one surface of which an image isprinted waits for a re-feed operation for printing an image on the othersurface of the sheet. When the next original to be read is ready, anoriginal image is read in the same manner as in the above-mentionedprocess. In this case, since the output sheet is fed from the re-feedstacking unit 210, two original images can be output onto two surfacesof a single output sheet.

Facsimile device 6

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of thefacsimile device 6.

The facsimile device 6 is connected to the network 4 via a connector400. A signal input via the connector 400 is input to a networkinterface circuit 409, and is then input to a memory controller 404 viaa signal line 453.

This facsimile device has four memory banks (a memory A 405, a memory B406, a memory C 407, and a memory D 408). Each of the memories A 405, B406, C 407, and D 408 has a capacity of 2 Mbytes, and can store an imageof A4 size or equivalent at a resolution of 400 dpi.

When image data from the image reading device 10 is to be stored in oneof the memories A 405 to D 408, a signal 453 from the network interfacecircuit 409 is input to the memory controller 404, and the image data isstored in one of the memories A 405 to D 408 or in two cascade-connectedmemories under the control of the memory controller.

The memory controller 404 has four control modes for data transfer tothe memories, and a CPU 412 sets the controller 404 in one of the fourmodes. The four control modes include a mode for exchanging data betweenthe memories A 405 to D 408 and a CPU bus 462, a mode for exchangingdata with a CODEC bus 463 of a CODEC 411 (with an encoding/decodingfunction), a mode for exchanging the contents of the memories A 405 to D408 with a bus 454 from a magnification circuit 403 under the control ofa DMA controller 402, a mode for storing image data 453 from the networkinterface circuit 409 in one of the memories A 405 to D 408, and a modefor reading out the memory contents of one of the memories A 405 to D408, and outputting the readout contents onto a signal line 452.

A SCSI controller 413 performs interface control with a hard disk 420connected to the facsimile device 6 via a SCSI bus 421. The hard disk420 accumulates image data in a facsimile transmission mode or afacsimile reception mode.

The CODEC 411 reads out image information stored in one of the memoriesA 405 to D 408, encodes the readout information by a desired one of MH,MR, and MMR methods, and thereafter, re-stores the encoded informationin one of the memories A 405 to D 408. On the other hand, the CODEC 411reads out encoded information stored in one of the memories A 405 to D408, decodes the readout information by a desired one of MH, MR, and MMRmethods, and thereafter, re-stores the decoded information in one of thememories A 405 to D 408 as image information.

A MODEM 414 has a function of modulating encoded information from theCODEC 411 or the hard disk connected to the SCSI controller 413 totransmit it onto a telephone line, and a function of demodulatinginformation sent from an NCU 415. The demodulated encoded information istransferred to the CODEC 411 or the hard disk 420 connected to the SCSIcontroller 413 as encoded information. The NCU 415 is directly connectedto the telephone line, and exchanges information with an exchangeequipped in a telephone office in a predetermined protocol.

File Apparatus 7

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the fileapparatus 7.

The file apparatus 7 is connected to the network 4 via a connector 500.A signal input via the connector 500 is input to a network interfacecircuit 503, and is then input to a compression/expansion circuit 504via a signal line 551. An input signal 551 from the network is input tothe compression/expansion circuit 504, and is converted from multi-valueimage information to compressed information. The converted informationis then output to a memory controller 510.

An output signal 552 from the compression/expansion circuit 504 isstored in one of a memory A 506, memory B 507, memory C 508, and memoryD 509, or two cascade-connected memories under the control of the memorycontroller 510.

The memory controller 510 of the file apparatus 7 has five controlmodes. One of these control modes is set by a CPU 516. The five controlmodes include a mode for exchanging data between the memories A 506 to D509 and a CPU bus 560, a mode for exchanging data with a CODEC bus 570of a CODEC 517, a mode for exchanging data between the memories A 506 toD 509 and a bus 562 of a magnification circuit 511 under the control ofa DMA controller 518, a mode for storing a signal 511 from the networkinterface circuit 503 in one of the memories A 506 to D 509, and a modefor reading out the memory contents of one of the memories A 506 to D509, and outputting the readout memory contents onto a signal line 556.

Each of the memories A 506 to D 509 has a capacity of 2 Mbytes, and canstore an image of A4 size or equivalent at a resolution of 400 dpi.

A SCSI controller 519 attains an interface with an external storagedevice 573 connected to the file apparatus 7. The external storagedevice 573 comprises, e.g., a magnetooptical disk device, and storesdata such as image information.

The CODEC 517 reads out image information stored in one of the memoriesA 506 to D 509, encodes the readout information by a desired one of MH,MR, and MMR methods, and thereafter, re-stores the encoded informationin one of the memories A 506 to D 509. On the other hand, the CODEC 517reads out encoded information stored in one of the memories A 506 to D509, decodes the readout information by a desired one of MH, MR, and MMRmethods, and thereafter, re-stores the decoded information in one of thememories A 506 to D 509 as image information.

Functions in Network

In this system, many functions are defined as those for attaining onefunction using a plurality of apparatuses. For example, the functionsinclude:

i: Print Function

ii: Facsimile Function

iii: Image Filing Function

Print Function

When an image is printed on a paper sheet by the printer apparatus 5, animage read by the reading device 10 is printed, an image stored in thefile apparatus 7 is read out and printed, an image edited by thecomputer apparatus 8 is printed, or an image received by the facsimiledevice 6 is printed.

Facsimile Function

When an image is facsimile-transmitted to a distant station, an image tobe transmitted is generated by the reading device 10, is read out fromthe file apparatus 7, or is edited by the computer apparatus 8, and suchan image is transmitted by the facsimile device 6.

In this system, image data is exchanged among the apparatuses via thenetwork 4. Image data transfer via the network 4 should be attained invarious data transfer modes depending on the natures of the apparatusesto be used. For this purpose, in this system, the following functionsare available:

Each of the apparatuses has a function of transmitting transfer datawhile dividing it into a plurality of blocks or simultaneouslytransmitting a plurality of pages of image data in correspondence withthe communication state (data traffic amount) on the network 4. In thisembodiment, the communication state is defined by the busy rate of thecommunication line of the network 4.

The transmission method of image data from a transfer source to atransfer destination is controlled in correspondence with the processingmodes of image data in the apparatus as the transfer destination. Inthis embodiment, the processing modes include, e.g., an immediateprocessing mode, time designation processing mode, non-time designationprocessing mode, simultaneous processing mode, and divisional processingmode.

Whether or not the transfer source compresses image data is selected incorrespondence with the compression method of the apparatus as thetransfer destination.

Frame Format

In this network system, image data is transferred in units of frames.FIG. 10 shows the format of image data used in this system.

Referring to FIG. 10, control data as initial data designates by whichapparatus and how image data is to be processed. This control data istransmitted as one frame prior to transmission of image data. Thecontrol data frame is followed by an image data frame.

Image data for each page is divided by an EOP (end of page) code. TheEOP code is added upon creation of image data. The end of an image fileis delimited by an EOF code. The EOF code is similarly added uponcreation of image data.

In this network system, image data can be transferred in units of 2pages, 1 page, or half page (uniquely divided by 1 Mbyte).

In a half-page transfer mode, a network interface (network I/F) of thetransmitting apparatus inserts an EOB (end of block) every 1 Mbytes inimage data for one page.

In this network, a mode in which one frame includes further segmentedimage data is defined in addition to the above-mentioned 1-page transfermode, half-page transfer mode, and 2-page transfer mode. Morespecifically, one frame can include image data for one line. In thismode, a network interface of the transmitting apparatus inserts an EOL(end of line) at the end of each line upon transmission.

FIG. 10 exemplifies a correspondence between frames and data in thehalf-page transfer mode.

Transfer Control According to Communication State

FIG. 11 shows the control sequence for detecting a busy rate BR ofsignal lines of the network 4, which is executed every unit time by eachapparatus of the network 4. When a carrier signal is output onto asignal line, each apparatus determines that the signal line is used byanother apparatus, i.e., is busy. If the signal line is busy, the valueof a counter BSY indicating a busy state is counted up in step S102;otherwise, the value of a counter IDL indicating an idle state iscounted up in step S104. In step S106, the busy rate BR is calculatedby: When one of these counters overflows, the two counters are reset.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the image data transfer routine in eachapparatus. In step S150, the value BR, i.e., the busy rate of thenetwork 4 is checked.

If BR is small (0<BR≦20), image data for two pages are transmitted to adestination apparatus in one frame in step S152. If one file includes 10pages, the transfer operation of the file can be completed bytransferring five frames. While the signal line is not too busy, even iflong data is transferred, the influence (e.g., transmission of anotherapparatus is waited) on the entire system is small.

If BR has an intermediate value (20<BR≦60), the mode for sending imagedata for one page in one frame to a destination apparatus is executed instep S154. If one file includes 10 pages, the transfer operation of thefile can be completed by transferring 10 frames.

If BR is large (BR>60), the mode for sending image data for half a pagein one frame to a destination apparatus is executed in step S156. Inthis mode, if one file includes 10 pages, the transfer operation of thefile can be completed by transferring 20 frames. With the half-pagetransfer mode, since the data amount per frame is reduced, the busy rateof the system can be prevented from further increasing.

Of course, when the busy rate is extremely high (e.g., BR>80), a modefor sending data for one line in one frame may be executed.

A case will be exemplified below wherein data is output from the readingdevice 10 to the printer apparatus 5.

The reading device 10 sends a control data frame to the printerapparatus 5 first. The printer apparatus 5 receives the control dataframe, analyzes control data, and detects that image data framesfollowing the control data, and the image data is sent in units of onepage, two pages, or half a page.

Image data from the reader 1 is input to the controller 2 via theconnector 115. Original information read by the reader 1 is input to thecompression circuit 121 via the connector 120. When image data is to beoutput by the printer, the data is not compressed by the compressioncircuit 121 but is input to the memory 122. Image data from the memory122 is input to the network interface circuit 123.

The CPU 125 outputs image data in units of one page, two pages, or halfa page in correspondence with the communication state (value BR) of thenetwork 4 via the connector 125. The image data on the network 4 isprinted by the printer apparatus 5.

With the above-mentioned processing, information read by the reader 1can be printed by the printer apparatus 5.

Note that the dividing modes of image data are not limited to theabove-mentioned line, half-page, 1-page, and 2-page modes, and thesemodes are merely examples.

Facsimile Transmission

A case will be exemplified below wherein facsimile transmission isperformed from the reading device 10 via the facsimile device 6. Asdescribed above, when a user depresses the FAX switch 32 (FIG. 5), theuser inputs data for designating a facsimile device to be used,telephone number data of a destination, transmission mode data(immediate or timer transmission mode), designated transmission timedata, and the like, using the ten-key pad 33.

Immediate Transmission

The immediate transmission is called "direct communication" in a normalfacsimile device, and in this mode, an image read by a reading sensor issent to a transmitter in units of lines without being stored in amemory. A case will be described below with reference to FIG. 13 and thelike wherein the immediate transmission mode is designated by the user.

The reading device 10 transfers data input by the user to the facsimiledevice 6 together with a control data frame. Upon reception of thesedata, the facsimile device 6 can prepare for reception of image datawhich follows, i.e., reception in units of lines.

The facsimile device 6 connects a telephone line to a destination.

In the immediate transmission mode, as shown in FIG. 13, each time thereading device 10 reads an original image for one line, it sends theimage data to the facsimile device 6, and the facsimile device 6 sendsthe read image data to the destination via the telephone line.

More specifically, image data read by the reader 1 of the reading device10 is input to the controller 2 via the connector 115. The controller 2controls the compression circuit 121 to compress the read image data.The compressed image data, i.e., encoded data for facsimiletransmission, is input to the network interface circuit 123 withoutbeing stored in the memory 122. The CPU 125 (FIG. 4) of the readingdevice outputs encoded data for line onto the network 4 via theconnector 124.

In the immediate transmission mode, image data is sent in units of linesfor the following reason. More specifically, in the immediatetransmission mode, image data is transmitted in units of lines sincefacsimile transmission performed by the facsimile device 6 and the imagereading operation performed by the reading device 10 must besynchronized with each other in real time. That is, whether image istransmitted divisionally or simultaneously is controlled between thereading device 10 and the facsimile device 6 in correspondence with thecommunication state of the network.

Compressed data on the network is input to the network interface circuit409 via the connector 8 (FIG. 8) of the facsimile device 6. An outputsignal 453 from the network interface circuit 409 is stored in thememory B 406 under the control of the memory controller 404. The CPU 412connects the memory B 406 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus462. The CPU 412 sequentially reads out encoded data from the memory B406, and transfers the readout data to the MODEM 414. The MODEM 414modulates the encoded data, and transmits it onto the telephone line viathe NCU.

Non-time Designation Transmission

In facsimile communications, the reading device 10 is preferablyreleased from the original reading device as soon as possible. Toachieve this, the reading device 10 reads an image for one page (or oneor more pages), and temporarily stores the read image in a memory.Thereafter, the stored image is compressed to facsimile codes, and thecompressed data is temporarily stored in the memory 122 (FIG. 4). Thereading device 10 sends the data stored in the memory 122 to thefacsimile device 6. Such a facsimile transmission mode is called anon-time designation transmission mode. In the non-time designationtransmission mode, image data to be transferred to the facsimile device6 is divided in correspondence with the busy rate of the network 4.

Timer Transmission

The timer transmission mode in facsimile transmission will beexemplified below. FIG. 14 shows the timer transmission sequence. Thedifference between the timer transmission mode and the immediatetransmission mode is that original images can be simultaneously read andall the image data can be simultaneously transferred to the facsimiledevice 6 since actual transmission is performed later. Control data issent prior to transmission of image data in the same manner as in theimmediate transmission mode.

The reader 1 reads all original images in turn, and the read image dataare compressed to facsimile codes by the compression circuit 121. Thecompressed data are stored in the memory 122. In this case, thecompressed original data corresponding to the number of originals arestored in the memory 122.

The CPU 125 outputs all the compressed data via the connector 124. Inthis case, the CPU 125 divides image data as needed in correspondencewith the busy rate of the network 4 in accordance with the controlsequences shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

The compressed data on the network 4 is input to the network interface409 via the connector 400. An output signal 453 from the networkinterface circuit 409 is stored in the memory A 405 under the control ofthe memory controller 404. The CPU 412 connects the memories A 405 and B406 to the bus line 463 of the CODEC 411. The CODEC 411 reads out thecompressed data from the memory A 405, encodes the data incorrespondence with the encoding method of a destination of FAXtransmission, and writes the encoded data in the memory B 406.

When the transmission time has reached, the CPU 412 connects the memoryB 406 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus 462. The CPU 412sequentially reads out the encoded data from the memory B 406, andtransfers the readout data to the MODEM 414. The MODEM 414 modulates theencoded data, and transmits it onto the telephone line via the NCU.

Filing of Image data

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in this system, both the reading device 10and the filing apparatus 7 have the compression circuits (thecompression/expansion circuit in the filing apparatus 7). In order tofile image data, the compression method in the filing apparatus 7 mustbe the one that is compatible with the filing apparatus 7 since imagedata is expanded by the filing apparatus 7. Thus, when image data readby the reading device 10 is stored in the filing apparatus 7, and thesetwo apparatuses have different compression methods, the reading device10 directly transfers the image data to the filing apparatus 7 withoutcompressing it since the compression method of the filing apparatus 7has priority over that of the reading device 10. On the other hand, whenthe two apparatuses have the same compression method, the reading device10 compresses the read image data, and transfers the compressed imagedata to the filing apparatus. The filing apparatus 7 stores thecompressed data in a storage medium.

In order to file images, a user depresses a file switch 35 (FIG. 5).Then, the display 34 displays a message urging a user to designate afiling apparatus. Assume that the user designates the filing apparatus7.

FIG. 15 shows the data flow between the reading device 10 and the filingapparatus 7. The reading device 10 sends, to the filing apparatus, amessage frame indicating that the filing apparatus 7 is designated. Thefiling apparatus 7 informs the compression method of its own compressioncircuit (504 in FIG. 9) to the reading device 10. The reading device 10informs, to the filing apparatus 7, if the compression method is thesame or different. The filing apparatus 7 can detect based on thisinformation whether or not it needs to compress data sent from thereading device 10.

In this manner, preparation for image data transfer is establishedbetween the reading device 10 and the filing apparatus 7. The readingdevice 10 begins to read original images.

Image data from the reader 1 is input to the controller 2 via theconnector 115. The controller 2 determines depending on the matchingstate of the compression methods of the two apparatuses whether theimage data is input to the compression circuit 121 via the connector 120or is stored in the memory 122 in the form of raster data. When thereading device 10 adopts the same compression method as that of thefiling apparatus 7, the image data is compressed by the compressioncircuit 121 in the controller. The compressed image data is stored inthe memory 122 in correspondence with the number of originals. When thereading device 10 adopts a different compression method from that of thefiling apparatus 7, the image data is stored in the memory 122 in theform of raster data in correspondence with the number of originals.

The CPU 125 outputs all the compressed data (when the two apparatuseshave the same method) or raster data (when the two apparatuses havedifferent methods) onto the network via the connector 124 together withfile name data.

As described above, transmission data may be divided in correspondencewith the busy state of the network 4.

In the filing apparatus 7, the compressed or raster data on the network4 are input to the network interface circuit 503 via the connector 500.

When the two apparatuses have the same method, the network interfacecircuit 503 inputs the received raster data to the compression/expansioncircuit 504 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 516. Theraster data are individually converted into compressed data 552. Thecompressed data 552 are input to the memory controller 510. The memorycontroller 510 stores the compressed data 552 in the memory A 506. TheCPU 516 connects the memories A 506 and B 507 of the memory controller510 to the bus line 570 of the CODEC 517. The CODEC 517 reads out thecompressed data from the memory A 506, encodes the readout data by theMR method, and writes the encoded data in the memory B 507. Uponcompletion of encoding by the CODEC 517, the CPU 516 connects the memoryB 507 of the memory controller 510 to the CPU bus 560. The CPU 516sequentially reads out the encoded data from the memory B 507, andtransfers the readout data to the SCSI controller 519. The SCSIcontroller 519 stores encoded data 572 in the external storage device573.

In this manner, since the filing apparatus 7 can omit the compressionprocessing, the filing apparatus 7 can share its performance withanother processing, i.e., expansion processing of another image datarequested by the computer apparatus 8.

When the two apparatuses have the same compression method, the CPU 516instructs the interface 503 and the memory controller 510 to store thereceived data in the memory A 506 via the line 552. The CPU 516 connectsthe memories A 506 and B 507 of the memory controller 510 to the busline 570 of the CODEC 517. The CODEC 517 reads out compressed data fromthe memory A 506, encodes the compressed data by the MR method, andwrites the encoded data in the memory B 507. Upon completion of encodingby the CODEC 517, the CPU 516 connects the memory B 507 of the memorycontroller 510 to the CPU bus 560. The CPU 516 sequentially reads outthe encoded data from the memory B 507, and transfers the readout datato the SCSI controller 519. The SCSI controller 519 stores encoded data572 in the external storage device 573.

In this manner, whether image data is transmitted divisionally orsimultaneously is controlled even between the filing apparatus and thereading device in correspondence with the communication state on thenetwork.

In the above embodiment, the filing operation of data from the readingdevice 10 to the filing apparatus 7 has been exemplified. However, thepresent invention is not limited to this. More specifically, accordingto the present invention, the output apparatus is not limited to thefiling apparatus. Whether or not the compression methods of input andoutput apparatuses are the same is taken into account, and when the samecompression method is adopted, the input apparatus performs compressionto reduce the load on the output device; when different methods areadopted, the output apparatus performs compression to assure datacompatibility.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing system having first andsecond processing apparatuses connected to a network, the firstprocessing apparatus being capable of transmitting image data to thenetwork, and the second processing apparatus being capable of receivingthe image data from the network, said system comprising:detecting meansfor detecting a communication state on the network; and control meansfor controlling transmission of the image data from the first processingapparatus to the second processing apparatus via the network, saidcontrol means operable in a plurality of transmission modes in each ofwhich image data is transmitted in units of a plurality of blocks, ablock for one of the plurality of transmission modes having a sizedifferent from that of a block for another transmission mode, saidcontrol means includingtransmission mode selection means for selectingone of the plurality of transmission modes in accordance with thecommunication state on the network detected by said detecting means, andmeans for adding control data indicating the selected transmission modeto the image data to be transmitted.
 2. The system according to claim 1,wherein said detecting means detects a data traffic on the network, andsaid transmission mode selecting means selects one of the differenttransmission modes in accordance with the detected data traffic on thenetwork.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the firstprocessing apparatus comprises compression means for compressing imagedata to be transmitted and said control means controls an operation ofsaid compression means.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein thefirst processing apparatus comprises image reading means for reading animage of an original and for outputting image data to be transmitted. 5.The system according to claim 1, wherein a block contains a page ofimage data or a plurality of pages of image data, dependent upon theselected transmission mode selected by the transmission mode selectionmeans.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein a block contains apage of image data or a fraction of a page of image data, dependent uponthe selected transmission mode selected by the transmission modeselection means.
 7. An information processing apparatus connected to anetwork, for exchanging image data with another apparatus via thenetwork, comprising:transmitting means for transmitting image data tothe network, said transmitting means operable in a plurality oftransmission modes in each of which image data is transmitted in unitsof a plurality of blocks, a block for one of the plurality oftransmission modes having a size different from that of a block foranother transmission mode; detecting means for detecting a communicationstate on the network; and control means for controlling the transmissionof the image data to the network by said transmitting means, saidcontrol means includingtransmission mode selecting means for selectingone of the different transmission modes in accordance with thecommunication state detected by said detecting means;wherein saidtransmitting means is also for transmitting control data indicating theselected transmission mode prior to transmission of the image data. 8.The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said detecting means detectsa data traffic on the network, and said transmission mode selectingmeans selects one of the different transmission modes in accordance withthe detected data traffic on the network.
 9. The apparatus according toclaim 7, further comprising compression means for compressing image datato be transmitted, said control means controlling an operation of saidcompressing means.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 7, furthercomprising image reading means for reading an image of an original andfor outputting image data to be transmitted.
 11. The apparatus accordingto claim 7, wherein a block contains a page of image data or a pluralityof pages of image data dependent upon the selected transmission mode.12. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a block contains a pageof image data or a fraction of a page of image data dependent upon theselected transmission mode.
 13. A data transfer control method fortransmitting image data between communication apparatuses in a networkincluding a plurality of communication apparatuses, comprising the stepsof:detecting a communication state on the network; selecting one ofdifferent transmission modes in accordance with the communication statedetected at said detecting step, wherein the image data is transmittedin units of a plurality of blocks, and a block for one of the pluralityof transmission modes has a size different from that of a block foranother transmission mode, and transmitting the image data in accordancewith the transmission mode selected at said selecting step with controldata indicating the selected transmission mode.
 14. The method accordingto claim 13, wherein a data traffic on the network is detected at saiddetecting step, and one of the different transmission modes is selectedat said selecting step in accordance with the detected data traffic onthe network.
 15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising acompressing step of compressing image data to be transmitted.
 16. Themethod according to claim 13, further comprising a reading step ofreading an image of an original so as to output image data to betransmitted.
 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein a blockcontains a page of image data or a plurality of pages of image data,dependent upon the selected transmission mode.
 18. The method accordingto claim 13, wherein a block contains a page of image data or a fractionof a page of image data, dependent upon the selected transmission mode.